At one time woodworking was one of the most common crafts of the American South. All aspects of carpentry and carving, including the selection of wood, were traditions passed from parent to child. Woodworking was an essential skill in rural South Carolina. Before rail transportation, inland residents had little access to imported wares. Local craftsmen made most of the basic furniture and household items – bureaus, chests, tables, chairs, utensils, mixing bowls, benches – the variety is endless. Vernacular furniture was often hand-hewn from native woods. Carved items used for hunting include bird decoys and bird calls. Whimsies, toys, and walking canes were also carved in abundance. While these objects were utilitarian by nature, most of them also incorporated ornamentation that reflected individual and communal artistic expression.
Content is provided by McKissick Museum, University of South Carolina.
For further information about any of the artists featured on Digital Traditions, send your questions and comments to hallagan@mailbox.sc.edu.
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Boozer works with a draw knife and a rasp to shape the decoy body out of white cedar. Video produced and shot by SC Educational Television.
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Boozer working on the tail of the decoy - undercutting primary feathers, using a chisel and rasp to shape the tail section. Produced and shot by SC Educational Television.
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Boozer uses a brace and gouge to hollow out the underside of the decoy body. Footage courtesy of SC Educational Television.
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Boozer uses a small Buck pocket knife to carve the decoy's head. Footage courtesy of SC Educational Television.
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Boozer discusses the application of the glass eyes to the decoy's head and finishes carving the head. Footage courtesy of SC Educational Television.
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Boozer describes the painting process and the final touches to complete a decoy. Footage courtesy of SC Educational Television.
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Boozer explains the indigenious nature of the wild fowl decoy. Footage courtesy of SC Educational Television.
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Boozer explains how he obtains the white cedar for his duck decoys. Footage courtesy of SC Educational Television.
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Cost discusses the importance of wood in crafting a call and the different sounds a turkey call should make. Courtesy of the National Wild Turkey Federation.
